Any Number Can Die

Our theatre program did the murder-mystery-comedy Any Number Can Die play last night, and, while it certainly didn't seem so at the time, I think we did a pretty good job. Granted, there was lots of ad libbing, stress, and confusion as nobody quite knew what was going on, but, as is the case with most things, we can look back now and laugh. 

After a very rough first act, those familiar words came out as we gathered together behind stage during intermission; I don't know what happened. But then again, we did know what happened: jitters. Much like the reoccurring lyrics in George Michael's Wake Me Up, the jitterbug had invaded the scene (no pun intended). It was the first time ALL of the cast was there, on stage, in costume with a full audience. When someone skipped their lines, it threw things off, and we were forced to mentally try to figure out what was supposed to come next without letting anyone else know. Like I said before: stressful. But we got through it, and the amazing thing was that the audience had no idea and loved every bit. And as I think back now, with all the practices, the costume hunting, and set building, I loved every bit of it too.

Our first play in the Fall (Antogone) was interesting, but not as fun as it was a Greek tragedy where most everyone died after giving long, solemn speeches. The fact that we had to perform it for a contest where all odds were against us with annoying people and situations at every corner just made it a grim circumstance to look back to. And we didn't mess up those lines hardly at all. While the process with this play has certainly not been as smooth as we would've hoped with a nonexistent budget and an unpredictable cast, this play is one for the books. Experience is important, and being in theatre this year has really provided a new perspective on things for me. There was a lot of work put into this play, and it may not have been perfect, but I am glad for the relationships that were able to be formed, and for the bonding that took place. Friends are easily gained in ideal situations, but by now we all know that true friendship is determined when it remains strong even in times of turmoil.

The play may not have gone according to plan... but then, when is life ever predictable? In my experience  the not knowing is what makes life an adventure worth living;)

Hannibal's first clue 

Agatha (me) smugly confronting Hannibal

"Environmental Dust"- Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

The Daily Mirror
April 12, 2022


It seems, according to most spectators, that the earth has reached a new glory. The Green Life Act was passed by congress nearly a week ago, and already the progress is astounding. Environmentalist Sarah Thistle comments that this is "a big step forward for the earth and the betterment of society. People may not realize the full effect this act will have, but I think that nothing but good can come out of it." The Green Life Act states that "no harm or belligerent act shall come to any plant life within the United States region. If any plant is cut, trampled, or its growth is impeded in any way, fines will be issued, and imprisonment may be enforced depending on the severity of the crime." 

The law was put into immediate effect, but while some are singing its praises, there are others who are not so enthusiastic. Opposition and protesting has been on rise as a new group against this movement has formed known as "The Red Patriots." Hank Seller, one of the founders and a known libertarian, states that "nothing good can come out of this environmentalist wacko nonsense. Our founding fathers understood that there's a process to this world, and wrote the Constitution accordingly. God gave man a responsibility to take care of the world, but also to be available to provide for mankind to use in day to day functions which are necessary to run this country. Next thing you know they'll be shutting down all the oil companies and raising taxes on everything that is not considered 'Eco friendly'. All this is doing is mucking up the system." 

Thus, the question has been put forth. Will the Green Life Act lead the United States in its next stage of evolution for the better, or will it impede its ability to progress as a nation? Time will tell, although optimism is on the rise as people are ready for the world to be a better place.


Anna couldn't move her machete fast enough to cut through the blankets of leaves, thorns, and weeds. They had been walking through foliage for hours now--this was getting ridiculous. Charlotte walked behind her sister as she tucked the old newspaper away in her pocket. There was a penalty for having un-recycled paper these days, but as she watched her sister cut through the plant life with fury, she knew that would be the least of their problems.

They had been walking in silence save for Anna's occasional grunt and groan of annoyance as more leaves continued to block their path. There was no energy for talk right now (conversations would come later with rest). Charlotte had offered to take take turns clearing the path--although she was younger, she was at least four inches taller and had a more sturdy build-- but Anna would stubbornly decline. "I'm fine," she would say, although Charlotte knew that the high oxygen levels had to have been making her light headed. But she didn't fight; she never did.

Before things had changed, life was simple, so simple. The problems of the world used to be who would clean the room, and who would eat the last brownie. Charlotte was organized, quiet, and clever, and Anna was creative, funny, and eccentric. The two were as thick as thieves, and couldn't have had a care in the world. After the incident though, they were both forced to be more responsible about things--their lives depended on it. Frankly, Charlotte was surprised that they were still alive. The small things were important, and noticing the details had never been a strong suit of theirs.

It hadn't always just been the two of them. A family friend had accompanied them at the beginning  He was nice and showed them how to eat the right berries. But then Anna had seen a Green badge slip out of his coat pocket, and grew suspicious. They both left the next night while he was sleeping, and hadn't seen another human being since. It wasn't safe, Charlotte knew, for two girls of 16 and 20 years of age to be travelling the woods of Pennsylvania alone, but what choice did they have? They both walked on.

"Do you know where you're going?" Charlotte finally asked.

"No, I'm just going this way for fun." Ah, sarcasm. 

"Are you?"

Silence.

"Well can we stop for a sec, I need to go."

"No, you always take too long. You can hold it until we stop."

"Easy for you to say," she muttered.

"What?"

"Nothing." It was always nothing. If Charlotte thought about it too much, she would get mad that Anna wouldn't press her further to see if it were really nothing (which it never was). But that would only complicate things, so Charlotte would let things be. Anna would often chastise her for not speaking her mind more often. It's not like she would listen if she did; speaking her mind was only good for times of boredom, or if they were important. A loud crack of metal against rock interrupted her thoughts.

"Ahh! Who put this rock here?" the machete was on the dirt, and Anna was holding her arm in pain. "Ugh, stupid." Charlotte watched as her sister gave a look of defiance at the boulder obstructing their path, and she couldn't help but chuckle. Anna turned her head in annoyance. She wanted to stay angry, Charlotte could tell, but a smile soon spread and as she laughed as well. With how serious the world had become, it was good to laugh. These were good times. Anna picked up the machete with a thin, shaking arm and offered it to Charlotte. "Here, your turn."

Charlotte was reaching for the knife when she saw her sister's smile fade, and her eyes grow wide. She was looking beyond her, slowly crouched down, and motioned for Charlotte to do the same. "What?" she mouthed, but Anna just put a finger to her lips.

Something was coming.

And so it ends...

...but with quite a different outcome than T.S. Eliot would've intended. Today, my last official day of high school, ended, not with a whimper, but with a bang.

The start of the day was a little rocky when I woke up to find that I had slept through my alarm (what else is new really) and was going to be an hour late to school. It didn't bother me terribly--it was my last day, so any menial form of misconduct would basically be overlooked. It had been raining hard all night and morning, so I dressed accordingly relishing the opportunity to wear my trench coat (it's only once in a blue moon in Texas that one gets to sport this particular style of awesomeness), but when I walked outside, the rain had stopped, and the sky was clearing. While I didn't get to wear the classic attire, I looked at the shining sun, took it as a sign, and smiled: today was going to be a good day.

And it really was.

As expected, there was no classwork to be had, but instead I was able to spend quality time with friends, watch part of Star Wars for the first time (this seems to be a big surprise for most, so shut up- I know), watch an entertaining basketball game, and see a great movie (Pans Labyrinth) after school with good company. There was no stress, no drama, and nothing bothersome; it was simply a good day to relax and embrace everything.

Spending 13 years at the same school may seem like a long time, but when I look back, it is true what everybody says; it goes by in the blink of an eye. Filled with memories (good, bad, intriguing, funny, embarrassing, and interesting to say the least), friends, inspiring teachers, lessons (academic and pertaining to real life), lots of change, stories, movies, and so much more, I wouldn't trade these years for anything. It may have seemed annoying and rough at times, but as graduating seniors, we can say that we made it and are now on our way to new and exciting things.  

Music is often a good way to express a feeling, and the songs that came on as I drove home were perfect. I smiled when U2's "It's a Beautiful Day" came on and turned up the volume. The sky was darkening with storm clouds, but on the horizon there were breathtaking cloud formations in varying shades of pink and blue. With the windows rolled down I could smell the fresh air and feel the cooling wind that arrives with impending rain. It was a beautiful day, and the perfect atmosphere to end the school year; as is the way that all good stories usually end, I was given the chance to ride off into the sunset. Michael Buble then came on singing about how "the best is yet to come" in perfect succession. Friends will be missed, memories cherished, and tears shed for what is being left behind. But never fear, with college and a whole life to be lived ahead, it's important to realize that yes... the best is yet to come.